Solaris
Solaris is a white grape variety developed in Germany for cool-climate viticulture. It is known for its high resistance to fungal diseases and its ability to achieve high sugar levels even in regions with short growing seasons.[1] The variety has gained particular prominence in northern European wine production, especially in countries such as Sweden and Denmark.
Background
Solaris was created in 1975 at the State Viticultural Institute in Freiburg, Germany, by breeder Norbert Becker.[2] It is a complex hybrid, developed from the cross Merzling × (Seyve-Villard 5276 × Riesling). The name "Solaris" is derived from the Latin word sol, meaning "sun", reflecting its capacity to produce ripe fruit in cooler, less sunny climates.[3]
Characteristics
The variety is classified as an early-ripening grape, often ready for harvest as early as late August in northern Europe.[4] Solaris exhibits strong resistance to downy mildew and powdery mildew, reducing the need for chemical treatments.[5] The berries are small to medium in size with thick skins, and the variety can produce high must weights, making it suitable for wines with elevated alcohol levels or residual sugar.
Use in winemaking
Solaris is cultivated primarily in cool-climate wine regions, including Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Sweden, and Denmark.[6] It is versatile in style, used for dry, off-dry, and dessert wines, as well as sparkling wines. Wines made from Solaris are typically aromatic, with flavours that can include tropical fruit, citrus, and sometimes muscat-like notes. In colder climates, it can produce wines with high acidity balanced by concentrated fruit character.[7]
See also
References
- ↑ Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC), "Solaris", vivc.de.
- ↑ Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, Wine Grapes, HarperCollins, 2012, ISBN 978-0062206367.
- ↑ Schmid, Weinbau – Ein Leitfaden für die Praxis, Ulmer Verlag, 2015, ISBN 978-3818608796.
- ↑ Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket), "Solaris – odling och användning i Sverige", jordbruksverket.se.
- ↑ Schmid, Weinbau – Ein Leitfaden für die Praxis, Ulmer Verlag, 2015, ISBN 978-3818608796.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.
- ↑ Lars Torstenson & Lauri Pappinen, Odla och tillverka vin, Optimal Förlag, 2002, ISBN 9789163606977.